The Department of Science and Technology extended its scholarship program to its Southeast Asian neighbors through the “DOST Scholarship Offerings for Asean Researchers in Cambodia-Lao PDR-Myanmar [CLM].”
Under the program, graduate students from the three Asean member-states may apply for scholarship, and pursue their masters and doctorate degrees in various fields of science and engineering at partner universities (De La Salle University, University of the Philippines Diliman, UP Los Baños and UP Manila).
Current CLM scholars were welcomed by Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña in a get-together held on January 22, at the DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) office in Taguig City.
This was the second time DOST and partner university officials met with CLM scholarship recipients. The students thanked the DOST and the government and talked about their experiences as scholars in the country.
De la Peña emphasized the importance of friendship in the Asean, and reminded the scholars that they have a mission to fulfill.
“We are very happy that we continue to make an impact in the Asean region by having this international scholarship program. This program is actually a pioneering one, maybe not just for the DOST, but for the Philippine government, as well. We are happy to assist our Asean counterparts, and exemplify what the mantra ‘Asean helping Asean’ truly means,” the chief executive said.
Also, present at the event were Science Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Dr. Renato Solidum Jr.; Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Dr. Leah Buendia; Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo Ebora; Science Education Institute Director Dr. Josette Biyo; SEI Deputy Director Engr. Albert Mariño, and representatives of the universities.
Solidum said science, technology and innovation are the three most important pillars that can drive the Southeast Asian countries to achieve global competitiveness and sustainable growth.
“To strengthen our efforts, we need all the help we can get from our people and our partners from the international scientific community,” he said.
Since the program’s inception in 2017, SEI acts as implementing agency and visits the three countries to hold applicant screening sessions.
On its first year of implementation, 14 masters students and four doctorate candidates passed.
Now on its second year, the number of scholars increased to 25, with 20 taking their MS and 5 pursuing their PhD in genetics, entomology, environmental science, environmental engineering, agronomy, public health, clinical medicine, electronics and communications engineering, civil engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering, among others.
Eleven scholars are from Cambodia, 11 from Myanmar and three from Lao PDR.
Biyo encouraged the scholars to finish the program and give back to their respective countries.
“Be an inspiration to others who wish to pursue graduate studies in the Philippines. Hopefully, we’ll be able to accommodate more CLM scholars in the future.”
SEI will visit CLM embassies in March to interview applicants for the next batch of scholars.
Lovely B. Aquino/S&T Media Service
Image credits: DOST-SEI
